So today I animated eyelids.
That's it, that was my focus. And you know what? Those things are pretty gosh darn important.
Think about it. Imagine you're at work, talking to a coworker, and they never blink. Ever.
Frightening, yes? But it's more than that. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the same can be said about our eyes, too. Maybe you're the happiest you've ever been in your life. Maybe you're emotionally dead inside. IT'S ALL THERE.
And so, as I travel along my animation journey, I have learned that it's not enough to just have your character blink a few times and call it a day. You also need to make sure their eyes show emotion -- and the correct emotion, at that.
Take a look at these two examples, using a frame from my latest WIP (That's cool kid speak for "work in progress.")
Example A: With Eyelids
Example B: No Eyelids
Big difference, right? You start to read all other body language in a completely different way!
So remember, subtle changes can make a big impact. Of course, eyelids or not, sometimes crazy is still just crazy. :)
Much love,
Nicole